Northern Lights Visible Tonight in Upstate New York
A strong G3 geomagnetic storm is pushing the aurora borealis far south from its usual Arctic location. Residents in Upstate New York have a chance to witness this natural light display tonight.
Storm Details and Coverage
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center issued a G3 geomagnetic storm alert for Thursday night, November 6. This storm could illuminate the sky with colors typically seen near the Arctic Circle, extending visibility to nearly half of the continental U.S., including parts of Nebraska, Wyoming, Pennsylvania, and New York’s Hudson Valley.
Cause and Intensity
The storm is driven by increased solar activity that has sent a surge of energy toward Earth. With a Kp index of 7 out of 9, this event qualifies as a strong geomagnetic storm, pushing the auroral oval significantly farther south than normal.
Viewing Conditions and Times
Upstate New York skies may be partly to mostly cloudy around 10 p.m., but the aurora can sometimes be seen through thin clouds. The best viewing is expected around midnight, when the storm reaches its peak, though the northern lights might appear earlier.
Recommended Viewing Locations
- Meteorologist Eric Snitil highlights northern New York near Plattsburgh, Rouses Point, and the eastern Adirondacks for prime visibility.
- The Catskills and Hudson Valley regions could also experience aurora sightings if cloud cover permits.
"The best time to look is around midnight, when the storm is expected to peak, though earlier sightings are possible." – NOAA
The natural spectacle tonight offers a rare chance for many across the U.S. to witness the northern lights beyond their usual Arctic boundaries.
Author's Summary: A strong geomagnetic storm tonight could bring vibrant northern lights as far south as Upstate New York, with peak visibility near midnight despite possible clouds.